Lean Question

[70_Steve]

Yep, the measurements are different in the rear. Would a frame shop not check for "twist" unless specifically asked?

I would certainly think they would. I remember when I took mine to a frame shop, I watched the guy make the same measurements from the frame to the ground that I had done, and that I suggested to you. Maybe find a different frame shop????

 

[jperry1290]

My EB has a lean in the drivers rear as well. I have done some research and it appears to be a common EB problem. It bothers the heck out of me, so I thinkI will go with the shim idea.

 

[DirtDonk]

The way you describe, how can you guarantee it's a frame issue? Since the rear is still sitting on the tires and suspension, couldn't those have an effect on your measurements?

And on the other side of that coin, if you put all four corners on equal height stands, is the frame stiff enough to lift one side if it's twisted? Or would it flex and just settle down on to the stands no matter how far off it was?

Paul

 

[akafrankcastle]

The frame should be stiff enough that when all four rails are suspended on jack stands, a difference would be noticeable. This is also counting on your garage or driveway being fairly level, which most are not.

Once off the axle (note: axle removal is NOT necessary. Just put the stands up high enough that the rear axle can hang without the tires or brake cylinders touching the floor) try running either a line level across from one side of the frame to another. If the truck sits firmly on the stands, odds are everything is straight, so long as the jack stands are set to the same height. If things aren't jibing when you have it on the stands, run the level across to see it there is an issue.

If you want to get crazy with it, you could do this same thing incrementally from the rear of the frame towards the front. This test will only give you a general idea of the trueness of the frame in terms of vertical shift. You could bust out the tech manual for horizontal measurements to check and see if it is tweaked left or right.

 

[airbur]

The way you describe, how can you guarantee it's a frame issue? Since the rear is still sitting on the tires and suspension, couldn't those have an effect on your measurements?

And on the other side of that coin, if you put all four corners on equal height stands, is the frame stiff enough to lift one side if it's twisted? Or would it flex and just settle down on to the stands no matter how far off it was?

Paul

That's a good point. I'd imagine that it would settle some, but without a hard top and no extra weight in the rear, I would think the frame would still stay up a bit. Guess I need another set of 30" stands

 

[70_Steve]

The way you describe, how can you guarantee it's a frame issue? Since the rear is still sitting on the tires and suspension, couldn't those have an effect on your measurements?

I wouldn't think so. I can't imagine a vehicle frame flexable enough to twist just by lifting one corner. And, if anything, if the frame wasn't stiff enough, haveing a nice cushy rear suspension to allow the frame to do whatever it want's seems to be ideal.